Lifestyle

4 Advantages of Retrofitting a Building in a Seismic Zone

Published

3 years ago

July 19, 2022

When it comes to earthquake preparedness, one of the most important things you can do is retrofit your building. Retrofitting a building means making changes to improve its seismic performance. There are many advantages to retrofitting a building, including reducing damage in an earthquake and saving money on insurance premiums. This blog post will discuss the benefits of retrofitting a building in a seismic zone.

Experts agree that retrofitting is an excellent way to improve the seismic performance of a building. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), “retrofitting is arguably the single most important thing you can do to increase the safety of your home or business from an earthquake.” Pedram Zohrevand, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers with extensive knowledge of safe property designs, believes that it is of the utmost importance to ensure your property is safe from natural disasters through retrofitting.

1. Reducing Damage

One of the advantages of retrofitting a building is that it can reduce damage in an earthquake. When a building is not correctly retrofitted, it is more likely to collapse during an earthquake. This can lead to injuries, fatalities, and costly property damage. Retrofitting a building can help prevent this type of damage by strengthening the structure to be better able to withstand the shaking of an earthquake.

In addition to reducing damage to the building itself, retrofitting can also help protect the contents of the building. In a non-retrofitted building, contents can shift during an earthquake and become damaged or broken. By retrofitting your building, you can help keep your belongings safe and reduce the amount of damage that occurs during an earthquake.

2. Saving Money

Another advantage of retrofitting a building is that it can save money on insurance premiums. Buildings not adequately retrofitted are considered high-risk, meaning they will have higher insurance premiums. Retrofitting your building can lower your insurance rates and save money on your premiums.

Retrofitting can also help you save money by preventing business interruptions. If a building is not retrofitted and suffers damage in an earthquake, the business housed in the building may have to close for repairs. This can result in lost revenue and customers. However, if the building is appropriately retrofitted, it is less likely to be damaged in an earthquake, which means the business can stay open and continue generating income.

3. Improves Value

A third advantage of retrofitting a building is that it can improve the property’s resale value. If you plan to sell your property in the future, retrofitting it will make it more attractive to potential buyers. Buyers will be willing to pay more for a property that has been properly retrofitted because they know that it is less likely to sustain damage in an earthquake.

Retrofitting can also help you lease your property more efficiently. Many tenants are now looking for properties that have been retrofitted because they want to be sure that their belongings will be safe in the event of an earthquake. By retrofitting your building, you can make it more attractive to potential tenants and improve your chances of leasing the property.

4. Peace of Mind

The fourth and final advantage of retrofitting a building is that it can give you peace of mind. Knowing that your property is less likely to be damaged in an earthquake can help you sleep better at night. Retrofitting your building will give you peace of mind knowing that you have taken steps to protect your property.

Final Thoughts

Retrofitting your building is an intelligent choice if you live in a seismic zone. It can reduce damage in an earthquake, save money on insurance premiums, improve the resale value of your property, and give you peace of mind. These are just a few advantages of retrofitting a building in a seismic zone.

If you want to retrofit your building, you should contact a professional to help you. They will know how to make your building stronger and less likely to collapse in an earthquake. Experts like Pedram Zohrevand believe that retrofitting is one of the best things you can do to protect your property from earthquakes. So if you live in a seismic zone, don’t wait – retrofit your building today!

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

6 days ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.